EICC News

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges to Celebrate Graduates Across Three Campuses

The ceremonies will honor the achievements of students whose stories of perseverance, leadership, and growth highlight the transformative power of community college education.

Rooted in Legacy, Growing Toward the Future: Clinton’s Bickelhaupt Arboretum Begins a Bold New Chapter

Under a cloudy April sky, dozens of residents, alumni, community leaders and college officials gathered at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum Thursday, where the scent of damp soil mingled with spring blossoms and the promise of a bold new chapter.

Certified Pastry Chef Finds Sweet Spot in the Classroom

For Amanda Phipps, the weekends aren’t for winding down — they’re for planning. She’s preparing ingredients, researching new recipes, and crafting lessons for students in EICC’s culinary program, which is growing stronger by the semester.

Admission Accomplished | June 14

Bickelhaupt Arboretum to Break Ground on Transformational Renovation May 1 at 10 a.m.

This transformational project will create a premier education and event center, enhancing hands-on learning, community engagement, and environmental appreciation.

Tianna Perkins | EICC

Meet Tianna Perkins, an invaluable member of EICC's eLearning team. Tianna's journey with EICC began in 2015 as a student at Scott Community College, where she joined the work-study program in the Continuing Education department.

Janet Foutch | EICC

Meet Janet Foutch, a key member of EICC’s District Business Services team whose dedication and behind-the-scenes support help make our campuses thrive.

Getting Ahead, Saving Big

Let's get real: balancing classes, life, and your wallet is tough. That's exactly why thousands of college students across the country are turning to EICC to take control of their schedules, get ahead academically, and save serious cash along the way.

Melissa Mapes | EICC

Meet Melissa Mapes, our dedicated Human Resources Generalist at the District Office. With two years at EICC, Melissa is passionate about education and inspired by the success stories she encounters. She enjoys building relationships with employees, ensuring they understand their benefits, and matching applicants with open positions.

Discover Your Future in Healthcare at Scott Community College’s Live Simulation Event

In celebration of Community College Month, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges invites the public to an immersive, multidisciplinary healthcare simulation on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Scott Community College.

Student Ambassador Elexiana Oliva Shares MCC’s Impact—Locally and Globally

When Elexiana Oliva walks through the halls of Muscatine Community College (MCC), she’s not just another student—she’s an ambassador and an advocate for the opportunities education offers.

Shelly Cram Rahlf honored as PTK 2025 Distinguished College Administrator

Shelly Cram Rahlf, MCC’s Dean of Student Support Services, was recently honored as a 2025 Distinguished College Administrator by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.

Tyler Halterman | Scott

Meet Tyler Halterman, an inspiring Instructor in the Game and Simulation Development (GSD) department at the Blong Technology Center.

Courtney Cooper | Muscatine

Meet Courtney Cooper, our dynamic Executive Assistant to the President and Stage Director for the Theater Department at Muscatine Community College (MCC).

Game & Simulation Development Program Prepares Students for Real-World Tech Careers

“This isn’t just about gaming. It’s about development,” he said. “We teach how to create simulations, solve real-world problems, and build immersive experiences that go far beyond entertainment.”

Living, Learning, Leading, and Living: Allen Beard’s MCC Campus Life

For one Muscatine Community College (MCC) student, higher education wasn’t always part of the plan. But now, just two semesters in, Allen Beard is deeply woven into campus life — starting clubs, giving tours, and helping peers find their place.

Lisa Toppert | Clinton

Meet Lisa Toppert, our passionate Culinary Chef Instructor at Clinton Community College Campus. With 3 years at EICC and 34 years in education, Lisa brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the Culinary Arts Department.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Names Bryan Renfro, PhD, as Next Chancellor

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) appointed Bryan Renfro, PhD, as the next Chancellor following a special board meeting Tuesday.

Finding Confidence in Writing: SCC Instructor Earns Prestigious Literary Nomination

An EICC English Instructor, passionate about building confidence in his students, has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, one of the most prestigious honors in independent publishing.

Carter Stevenson: Writing His Future, One Story at a Time

With the encouragement of his instructors and the resources available through Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), Carter Stevenson is turning his passion into something real—one carefully planned-out page at a time.

Hannah Cooper | Muscatine

Meet Hannah Cooper, our dedicated Science Lab Assistant at Muscatine Community College. With three years of experience at EICC, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the Science Department.

Celebrate Community College Month with Classes & Events at EICC

EICC is celebrating Community College Month this April with a lineup of free classes and events, showcasing the college’s commitment to education, workforce development, and lifelong learning.

Register for Fall 2025

The sooner you register the more likely you are to get a spot in the classes you want and at the time you want.

CCC Phi Theta Kapp Induction

Clinton Community College hosted the spring induction ceremony of Phi Theta Kappa, the largest educational honor society in the world, on March 6.

Gideon Cable Hall: Small Space, Big Feelings

A bed. A blanket. Half-tucked, half-forgotten. A pile of clothes in the corner, a pizza box shoved just out of sight.